Department for Transport

Driving Licences: EU Countries

Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer: To ask Her Majesty's Government when UK citizens in EU Member States with whom reciprocal arrangements on driving licences have not been signed will lose their right to drive in those countries.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The UK has secured either permanent or interim arrangements with all EU Member States so that valid UK licence holders resident in the EU can continue to drive. The vast majority of the interim arrangements do not have an expiry date, pending finalisation of a permanent agreement. In EU Member States where there is an expiry date to the interim arrangements, the Department for Transport and our diplomatic Posts are working hard to reach a swift agreement.

Holyhead Port: Road Traffic

Lord Roberts of Llandudno: To ask Her Majesty's Government what changes are being made to improve traffic conditions at the port of Holyhead; and what changes are being made in the surrounding area in order to improve access to the port.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Union Connectivity Review, led by Sir Peter Hendy CBE is focusing on improving transport connectivity between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The review is carefully considering and evaluating all strategically significant routes across the UK, including access to ports such as Holyhead.

Roads: Carbon Emissions

Lord Newby: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to amend their road transport infrastructure policy to require that they take account of (1) the UK's commitments under the Paris Agreement, and (2) the commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Government is satisfied that plans for road infrastructure are consistent with Net Zero and the UK's commitments under the Paris Agreement, matters which we keep under consideration. The upcoming Transport Decarbonisation Plan will set out a credible and ambitious pathway to deliver transport’s contribution to carbon budgets and meeting net zero by 2050.

High Speed Rail (West Midlands–Crewe) Act 2021

Lord Rosser: To ask Her Majesty's Government when theyintend to publish the report of the consultation required under section 60 of the High Speed Rail (West Midlands–Crewe) Act 2021; and why they did not publish that report before 1 May 2021.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Government published the report on 13 May, as soon as possible after the Queen’s speech. There were a range of factors that unfortunately delayed publication of the report. This included receiving 499 responses which was much more than expected so the report took longer to produce, commencement of the pre-local election period, and prorogation of Parliament.

Bicycles: Repairs and Maintenance

Lord Berkeley: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many 'Fix Your Bike vouchers' were distributed (1) in total, and (2) in each region, in the four releases; and what is the total cost of the scheme to date.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Department has now released over 400,000 Fix Your Bike vouchers, as well as fixing many more bikes via the Dr Bike pop-up maintenance stations which it funded. This is consistent with the Secretary of State’s commitment that the Government would help fix up to half a million bikes. The regional distribution of vouchers is as set out in the table below. In a small number of cases, an invalid or unmatched postcode was given when registering, meaning that vouchers cannot be assigned to a region. There are also some vouchers waiting to be redeemed by customers. A total of just over £20 million was allocated to the Fix Your Bike voucher scheme and Dr Bike "pop-up" cycle maintenance initiatives in 2020/21. Over half of this has already been spent. The final total spend will depend on how many of the remaining vouchers are redeemed over the coming months. RegionNumber of vouchersEast Midlands33,107East of England43,406London67,097North East17,653North West53,503South East68,239South West42,504West Midlands36,940Yorkshire and Humberside34,106Total396,555

Aviation: British Overseas Territories

Lord Jones of Cheltenham: To ask Her Majesty's Government whatplansthey have to charter aircraft for tourists wishing to visit (1) St Helena, (2) Ascension, (3) Falkland Islands, and (4) any other 'green list' territories which have no current regular air services, in order to boost the tourism sector in those territories.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Government has no plans to charter additional aircraft for tourists wishing to visit St Helena, Ascension, the Falklands Islands or any other current 'green list' territories. The destinations which airlines fly to is a commercial decision for the airline.

Cycling: Accidents

Lord Mawson: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they collect data on the percentage of cycling accidents that take place after dark where the cyclist does not have lights on their bicycles; and if so, how many such accidents took place in England's cities in the last 12 months.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Statistics on reported personal injury road accidents are compiled from data reported by the police in the STATS19 collection system. STATS19 does not record whether a cyclist involved in an accident has lights on their bicycle, but does include contributory factors assigned by police officers which give an indication of which factors the attending officer thought contributed to the accident, without assigning blame. In urban areas of England in 2019, the contributory factor ‘Not displaying lights at night or in poor visibility’ was assigned to a pedal cyclist in 134 personal injury road accidents. This represents 2% of such accidents where a police officer attended the scene and at least one contributory factor was reported. Road safety statistics are reported on a calendar year basis. The latest annual published statistics are for 2019. Data on reported personal injury road accidents in Great Britain for 2020 will be published in September 2021.

Cycling: Accidents

Lord Mawson: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many people have been (1) injured, and (2) killed, in cycling accidents that have taken place (a) in a city, and (b) after dark, in the last 12 months.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Statistics on reported personal injury road accidents in Great Britain are compiled from data reported by the police in the STATS19 collection system.In 2019, 14,616 people were injured and 46 people were killed in reported road accidents in Great Britain which involved at least one pedal cycle and occurred in an urban area. In 2019, 3,786 people were injured and 29 people were killed in reported road accidents in Great Britain which involved at least one pedal cycle and occurred in darkness. Darkness means half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise. Road safety statistics are reported on a calendar year basis. The latest annual published statistics are for 2019. Data on reported personal injury road accidents in Great Britain for 2020 will be published in September 2021.

Cycling: Safety Measures

Lord Mawson: To ask Her Majesty's Government what advice they have issued to police forces in England about the prosecution of cyclists not using lights on their bicycles after dark.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Government has not issued any such advice. The enforcement of cycling offences is entirely an operational matter for individual chief officers of police.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Post Office: Directors

Lord Mendelsohn: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any (1) legal, or (2) contractual, impediment exists that would stop them from exercising their rights as shareholder to replace the current Board of the Post Office.

Lord Callanan: The Articles of Association of Post Office Limited entitle my Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State to remove either the Post Office Limited’s directors or the chair of the company by notice in writing, but he must act reasonably in doing so and give reasons for such a decision.

Living Wage

Lord Jones of Cheltenham: To ask Her Majesty's Government whatplans they have, if any, to increase the minimum wage to a living wage.

Lord Callanan: Through the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage (which applies to those age 23 and above) the Government protects the lowest paid within our society. The Government sets the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates annually and has a target for the National Living Wage to reach two-thirds of median earnings by 2024, providing economic conditions allow. The Low Pay Commission, which is an independent and expert body, makes annual recommendations to the Government on the appropriate rates. The Living Wage Foundation regularly publishes a rate called the ‘Living Wage’. This rate differs from the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates because the Low Pay Commission considers the wider impacts on businesses and the economy before making their recommendations to the Government. We commend employers who pay more when they can afford to do so. The Living Wage Foundation is clear their measure is voluntary.

Hospitality Industry: Vacancies

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement on staff shortages in the hospitality sector.

Lord Callanan: We are in regular dialogue with the hospitality sector to understand how business operating models are affected by both leaving the EU and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Retail Trade

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the BRC'sRetail Sales Monitor, published on 11 May; and what steps they are taking to reduce the shop vacancy rate.

Lord Callanan: In order to mitigate against a rise in the number of vacant units, the Government has introduced a range of measures to protect businesses that are struggling to pay their rent due to Covid-19. The moratorium on commercial landlord’s right to forfeiture for the non-payment of rent (Section 82 Coronavirus Act 2020) is extended to the end of June 2021. Landlords are also prevented from using winding up petitions and statutory demands to pursue rent debt and the use of Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR) has also been suspended, both extended until 30 June 2021. In order to help inform the Government’s strategy to exit these protections, and to gather evidence on the progress of negotiations regarding rent debt between landlords and tenants, a Call for Evidence was launched on 6 April. This closed on 4 May and the Government will make an announcement on future policy ahead of 30 June 2021. We continue to reduce the financial burden on retailers by providing eligible retail, hospitality, and leisure properties in England with 100% business rates relief until 30 June 2021. This will be followed by 66% business rates relief for the period from 1 July 2021 to 31 March 2022, capped at £2 million per business for properties that were required to be closed on 5 January 2021, or £105,000 per business for other eligible properties. We have introduced reforms to the use classes to enable more flexible use of existing buildings. These came into force on 1 September 2020. The use class reform creates a new ‘commercial, business and service’ use class which encompasses a wide range of uses which will attract people to high streets and town centres. This includes offices and other business uses, shops, cafes, gyms and any other uses which are suitable in a town centre. The new class also allows for mixed uses to reflect changing retail and business models. These reforms will help support high streets and town centres as they seek to recover from the economic impact of Covid-19 Businesses will have greater flexibility to change use without planning permission, allowing them to adapt and diversify more quickly to meet changing circumstances.

British Overseas Territories: Climate Change Convention

Lord Randall of Uxbridge: To ask Her Majesty's Government which of the British Overseas Territories have had (1) the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and (2) the Paris Agreement, extended to them as of May 2021.

Lord Callanan: The UK Overseas Territories Bermuda, Gibraltar, the Cayman Islands and the Falkland Islands have had UK ratification of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change extended to them. Currently no UK Overseas Territories have had UK ratification of the Paris Agreement extended to them. The Department is consulting with UK Overseas Territories as to whether they would like to have the UK’s ratification of the Paris Agreement extended to them.

Cyprus: Military Bases

Lord Randall of Uxbridge: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans, if any, they have to extend the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to the Cyprus Sovereign Base Areas.

Lord Callanan: The Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia comprise a UK Overseas Territory on the island of Cyprus. UK ratification of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change has not been extended to the Sovereign Base Areas. The Department will consult with the Sovereign Base Areas should they formally request the extension.

Construction: Finance

Lord Moylan: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the UK construction sector's financial structure, including capital structure; and what assessment they have made of the impactof this on their infrastructure plans.

Lord Callanan: There are weaknesses in the current business model of the construction sector, with low margins and a high level of reliance on subcontracting, which have contributed to poor productivity compared to other sectors. The Government is working with the construction industry to address these issues, including by investing £420m through the Transforming Construction Challenge in the development and commercialisation of innovations that will improve the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of the industry. The Government has also published the Construction Playbook, which sets the objective of ensuring that the industry can make a fair profit on work undertaken, through a more strategic and collaborative approach to contracting and working with the industry. This will strengthen the financial position of firms in the industry, and incentivise investment by firms to improve their performance.

Aviation and Shipping: Carbon Budgets

Lord Oates: To ask Her Majesty's Government why emissions from international aviation and shipping are not included in the draft Carbon Budget Order 2021.

Lord Callanan: The Government has laid legislation for the UK’s sixth carbon budget and this marks a decisive step towards net zero by 2050. It builds on the series of ambitious plans we have announced since committing to net zero emissions in law, including through my Rt. Hon. Friend the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan and our new UN climate target to reduce emissions in 2030 by at least 68% compared to 1990 levels – the highest reduction target made by a major economy to date. We have committed to include international aviation and shipping emissions in the Sixth Carbon Budget and will bring forward legislative proposals in due course.

Aviation and Shipping: Carbon Budgets

Lord Oates: To ask Her Majesty's Government when they will publish regulations under section 30 of the Climate Change Act 2008 to include emissions from international aviation and shipping in the Sixth Carbon Budget.

Lord Callanan: The Government has laid legislation for the UK’s sixth carbon budget and this marks a decisive step towards net zero by 2050. It builds on the series of ambitious plans we have announced since committing to net zero emissions in law, including through my Rt. Hon. Friend the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan and our new UN climate target to reduce emissions in 2030 by at least 68% compared to 1990 levels – the highest reduction target made by a major economy to date. We have committed to include international aviation and shipping emissions in the Sixth Carbon Budget and will bring forward legislative proposals in due course.

Attorney General

Royal Albert Hall

Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts: To ask Her Majesty's Government whenthey will make a decision about the Charity Commission's request to refer the Royal Albert Hall to the charity tribunal.

Lord Stewart of Dirleton: The Charity Commission sought the previous Attorney General’s permission to refer a number of questions to the Tribunal concerning the Corporation of the Hall of Arts and Sciences – the Royal Albert Hall – which is a registered charity. While the Charity Commission has the power to refer questions to the Tribunal, it may only do so with the consent of the Attorney General, as set out in section 325 of the Charities Act 2011. The issues concerned in this case are complex. The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) has engaged with the parties since the original request was made in order to explore the issues, which involve both modern charity law and its application to an organisation established over 150 years ago. This engagement has helped to refine the issues. Before taking a decision on whether to consent to the latest iteration of the Commission’s request, the previous Attorney General asked the Commission and the Corporation to try to find a way forward without recourse to litigation. The AGO is awaiting an indication from the parties regarding the outcome of that process.

Department of Health and Social Care

Cataracts: Surgery

Lord Low of Dalston: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to (1) work with NHS Digital, commissioners and providers to encourage an appropriate reimbursement for the treatment of bilateral cataracts, and (2) ensure that the payment reflects the number of eyes treated, rather than the number of procedures performed.

Lord Bethell: Following the National Outpatient Transformation Programme for ophthalmology, NHS England and NHS Improvement conducted a survey into local pricing of bilateral cataracts in late 2020. NHS England and NHS Improvement will utilise the results of this survey to publish local pricing guidance to be used alongside the 2021-22 National Tariff Payment System.

Accident and Emergency Departments: Standards

Baroness Finlay of Llandaff: To ask Her Majesty's Government when the 12-hour waiting times from the time of arrival at an Emergency Department will be published.

Baroness Finlay of Llandaff: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many Emergency Departments currently collect data on 12-hours from the time of arrival at the Department.

Lord Bethell: NHS England and NHS Improvement are considering a 12 hour measure in emergency departments as part of its clinically-led review of standards and have undertaken a public consultation. They will respond in due course. All emergency departments are collecting data.

General Practitioners

Lord Roberts of Llandudno: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether there are restrictionspreventing GP practices from being sold to investors based outside of the UK.

Lord Bethell: Legislation sets out which individuals and companies are eligible to hold contracts to provide primary medical services. Eligibility varies slightly between contract type but there is no distinction in the eligibility criteria between companies registered in the United Kingdom and those registered overseas. All contract holders and providers of National Health Service core primary medical services are subject to the same requirements, regulation, and standards. Patients should receive high-quality NHS care when they need it, that is free at the point of use.

Cataracts: Surgery

Lord Low of Dalston: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the efficacy of immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery in treating patients at risk of sight loss.

Lord Low of Dalston: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support consistency in the uptake of the immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery to tackle the backlog in cataract surgery.

Lord Bethell: No such assessment has been made.Immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) is supported by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, who advise that ISBCS can help reduce patient visits to hospital whilst providing an optimum visual outcome, in appropriately selected and assessed patients.Clinical commissioning groups are required to consider the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s guidelines, which state that bilateral cataract surgery should be considered for routine cases for those who are suitable, in making commissioning decisions.

Social Services: Fees and Charges

Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to introduce legislationto protectpeople from having to sell their homes to pay for the costs of care.

Lord Bethell: We are committed to bringing forward a proposal for social care this year. The reform of social care and its funding arrangements are complex areas and a range of options for how to deliver on this commitment are being considered.

Department for Education

Pupil Exclusions

Lord Lucas: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the new national Behaviour Survey, outlined by the Education Secretary in his speech to the Confederation of School Trusts on 28 April, will set out the connection between the details of pupil behaviour and any sanctions applied; if not, whether the survey will record the details of behaviour that results in exclusions; and whether such information will be linked to the unique pupil number so that related pupil characteristics can be explored.

Baroness Berridge: This government is committed to improving behaviour and discipline in schools because we know the impact poor pupil behaviour can have on education as well as teacher wellbeing and retention.On 28 April, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, announced that a new termly national Behaviour Survey will be running during the next academic year to give a regular snapshot of the state of behaviour in our schools. Further details on its scope will be made clear in due course.Statistics on suspensions and permanent exclusions can be found from the National Statistics release ‘Permanent and fixed-period exclusions in England 2018 to 2019’ across state-funded schools. This includes the reasons schools report for excluding and exclusion by different pupil characteristics. The release is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/permanent-and-fixed-period-exclusions-in-england-2018-to-2019.

Universities: Coronavirus

Baroness Bull: To ask Her Majesty's Government what funding support they plan to provide to enable universities to continue utilising PCR testing as their campuses reopen.

Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay: We have worked with higher education providers to offer twice-weekly asymptomatic testing using lateral flow device (LFD) tests to all students residing in their term-time accommodation or accessing university facilities, and to all staff. This is playing an important role in identifying cases of the virus and breaking chains of transmission.We have supported higher education providers in recovering the costs for the set-up and running of asymptomatic testing sites.From May, higher education providers can offer their staff and students home test kits which can be collected from a location on campus.Anyone that tests positive for COVID-19 through an LFD test is offered a confirmatory polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test free of charge, and the same applies to students and staff in the higher education sector.

Private Education: Pensions

The Marquess of Lothian: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many independent schools have (1) withdrawn, or (2) announced their intention to withdraw, from the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, since the September 2019 announcement of an increase in required employer contributions.

Baroness Berridge: 163 independent schools withdrew from the England and Wales Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) between September 2019 and 30 April 2021. 59 independent schools withdrew from the TPS prior to September 2019, following confirmation of the increased employer contribution rate in April 2019.A further 23 independent schools have provided notice of leaving the TPS which has not yet taken effect.

Schools: Finance

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask Her Majesty's Government how schools will be funded to continue to deliver the additional services they are providing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Baroness Berridge: As part of the three year increase to core funding, the biggest in a decade, schools have received a £2.6 billion increase in funding in financial year 2020/21 and will receive a further £4.8 billion increase in 2021/22, compared to 2019/20. The Department has also provided a range of funding and support to schools since March 2020 to help with the challenges of responding to the COVID-19 outbreak. This includes making available:Exceptional costs funding. The Covid Exceptional Costs fund was established to reimburse schools for costs such as additional cleaning. Schools have been paid £139 million for all claims within the published scope of the fund across both application windows.£1 billion catch-up funding announced in June 2020, including a one off £650 million catch-up premium and £350 million to support tutoring across the National Tutoring Programme and 16 to 19 tuition fund, which will go to schools, colleges and other 16 to 19 providers.A further £700 million recovery package announced in February 2021, including a new one off £302 million Recovery Premium for state primary and secondary schools in academic year 2021/22, £200 million for summer schools, and a further £200 million expansion to tutoring including support for early language development.Free school meals support. Schools have been able to use either the national voucher scheme, where costs were met centrally, or claim back additional funding to provide meal parcels or locally arranged vouchers for children who would be eligible for free school meals while children were educated from home. This funding has been in addition to the free school meals and universal infants free school meals funding that is with schools. As well as this, the free school meals supplementary grant was extended into 2020/21. This grant provides schools with extra funding to meet the costs of providing meals for newly eligible students before the lagged funding system catches up. The Department has made available over £760 million to support this.Remote education support. The Department has invested over £400 million to support access to technology and online social care services, including delivering 1.3 million laptops.Mass testing support. The Department has made over £100 million available on costs relating to the initial roll out of rapid mass testing.My right hon. Friends, the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Education, have appointed Sir Kevan Collins as Education Recovery Commissioner to advise on the approach for education recovery, including to consider how schools and the system can use evidence and more effectively target resources and support at pupils and areas in greatest need.

Children's Social Care Independent Review: Civil Servants

Baroness Blower: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many civil servants are working on the Independent review of children’s social care.

Baroness Blower: To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the job titles of civil servants employed (1) full-time, and (2) part-time, on the Independent review of children’s social care.

Baroness Berridge: The independent review of children’s social care is led by Josh MacAlister. The review team is made up of 20 civil servants from across government from a range of backgrounds and disciplines. It is led by a senior civil servant who is Head of the Review team. There are 4 Heads of Team covering: Analysis and Research; Engagement and Participation; Policy and Planning and Stakeholders and Public Engagement. Across these teams are 5 team leaders, five senior policy advisers, three policy advisers, a senior information officer and a senior research officer. Of these 20 civil servants, 5 work part-time.

Universities: Remote Education

Baroness Fox of Buckley: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many universities are continuing to use predominantly remote learning; what assessment they have made of reports of complaints by students that they are being discouraged from returning to campus; and what plans they have to reinforce the guidance that graduate and post-graduate students are entitled to face-to-face teaching.

Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay: From the start of the pandemic, the higher education (HE) sector has put in significant resources and worked hard to provide learning materials and minimise the disruption to students. There have been some innovative and resourceful approaches to deliver high-quality learning online, and we welcome the huge amount of time and resources universities and other HE providers have devoted to ensuring that online teaching is of the high quality expected by students, Her Majesty's Government, and the Office for Students (OfS). Since early January, we estimate that 19% of students were on courses in scope for a return to face-to-face learning, and from 8 March 2021 this proportion increased to 49%. From 17 May 2021, all students have been able to return to in-person learning.As autonomous institutions with a range of specific circumstances, we expect HE providers to make their own judgments to facilitate the return of students for face-to-face teaching, whilst following the latest public health guidance. We expect providers to continue work alongside local authorities and other agencies to put appropriate plans in place to control and manage any local outbreaks and to minimise transmission of COVID-19.If students have concerns about their tuition, including the return to in-person teaching, there is a process in place. They should first raise their concerns with their university. If their concerns remain unresolved, students at providers in England or Wales can ask the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education to consider their complaint. We expect providers to ensure that continuing and prospective students receive the clear, accurate, and timely information they need to make informed decisions. Whilst the OfS does not get involved in student complaints, students can notify it of issues which may be of regulatory interest to it. The OfS uses this information as part of its regulatory monitoring activity and keeps HE providers under review to ensure that they comply with the ongoing conditions of registration. The OfS has produced a guide for students to support them in this process. This is available here: https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/for-students/ofs-and-students/notifications/.

Ministry of Justice

Prison Sentences

Lord Harries of Pentregarth: To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their timetable for implementing the plans set out in their A Smarter Approach to Sentencing white paper (CP 292), published on 16 September 2020; and in particular, when they plan to reduce the time periods after which some sentences become spent for the purpose of criminal records checks in order to improve offender rehabilitation.

Lord Wolfson of Tredegar: The legislative reforms announced in A Smarter Approach to Sentencing White Paper will be brought forward in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Bill. This bill was introduced on 9 March and, as confirmed in the Queen’s Speech, has been carried forward to the next session. For the first time, sentences over four years will be able to become spent, and rehabilitation periods will be reduced for community and custodial sentences of less than four years. These changes will come into effect once the PCSC Bill has received Royal Assent. Work is also underway on the non-legislative reforms set out in the White Paper. We are on track to deliver the Pre-Sentence Report pilot on time, and the Community Sentence Treatment Requirement Programme is now operating in courts across 14 areas in England, with eight more to come online during 2021. The Call for Evidence on Neurodiversity also set out in the White Paper closed on 15 January 2021, and evidence from this is being reviewed with a full report due this Summer.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Religious Freedom

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the treatment of non-religious people globally and, in particular, in countries where the human rights of non-religious people are not being upheld.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Members of non-religious communities continue to be victims of harassment and persecution, despite progress over recent years with the promotion of freedom of religion or belief for all. The UK Government remains deeply concerned about the severity and scale of violations and abuses of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all in many parts of the world. Protecting freedom of religion or belief for all faiths, and none, remains a priority for the UK Government. As the Minister responsible for Human Rights, I underlined these points at the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist’ Group Annual General Meeting on 24 May.I also work closely with the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for FoRB, Fiona Bruce MP. In addition to championing FoRB, Mrs Bruce represents the UK at meetings of the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance to advocate for the rights of individuals being discriminated against or persecuted on the basis of their faith or belief, including members of non-religious communities.

Israel: Palestinians

Baroness Janke: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report by Human Rights Watch A Threshold Crossed, published on 27 April; and whatplans they have to raise the issues in that report with the government of Israel.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We are aware of the Human Rights Watch report released on 27 April and will review the findings.

Israel: Palestinians

Baroness Sheehan: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they will take to protect the rights of Palestinians to peacefully demonstrate against the restrictions imposed on them by thegovernment of Israel.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK continues to urge the Israeli Government to respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of peaceful, legal protestors.The UK worked actively to urge the parties to work with mediators towards an immediate ceasefire. We also fully supported Egyptian, Qatari and UN efforts to that end, working closely with the US. The UK welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza on 20 May, which is an important step to ending the cycle of violence and loss of civilian life. Hamas must end all attacks on Israel. It is also now important for Israel to facilitate rapid humanitarian access in and out of Gaza.As the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have made clear, this cycle of violence must stop, and every effort must be made to avoid loss of life.

Overseas Aid and UK Export Finance: Carbon Emissions

Baroness Blackstone: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many countries that have received UK Export Finance or Overseas Development Assistance since 2016 havecredible long-term decarbonisation strategies, including nationally determined contributions.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The Government is committed to using Official Development Assistance and export finance to support countries on their pathway to decarbonisation. Since 2011/12, UK International Climate Finance has provided 33 million people with improved access to clean energy, avoided 31 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and installed 2,000 MW in clean energy capacity. Examples of UK Export Finance for decarbonisation include £27 million of support for a solar-powered clean water project in Ghana and over £230 million of support for off-shore wind farms in Taiwan.The Government's new policy on support for the fossil fuel energy sector overseas is a further demonstration of the UK's commitment to alignment with the Paris Agreement. 76 countries that have received UK ODA or export finance since 2016 have submitted new or updated NDCs to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as at 14 May 2021. As COP26 President, the UK acknowledges the considerable value of collective efforts to accelerate progress on clean energy. That is why the UK is actively seeking commitments from other countries to adopt more ambitious NDCs and Long-Term Strategies, including adopting an approach to fossil fuel investment as ambitious as the UK's.

UN World Conference against Racism

Baroness Deech: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to withdraw from events commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The United Kingdom is committed to combatting all forms of racism, including anti-semitism, both at home and abroad. We believe that one of the most effective ways to tackle injustices and advocate respect among different religious and racial groups is to encourage all states to uphold their human rights obligations. Some of the anti-Semitic actions and speeches in and around the Durban conference and its various follow-up events gave rise to serious concerns. We will consider UK attendance in the light of developments between now and the commemoration event, including the likelihood of any recurrence.

Jerusalem: Religious Freedom

Baroness Janke: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they will take to protect religious freedom in East Jerusalem.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK continues to be firmly committed to Freedom of Religion or Belief as a human rights priority. Our Embassy in Tel Aviv and Consulate General in Jerusalem regularly raise issues of religious freedom with the Israeli Government and the Palestinian Authority. The UK recognises that Jerusalem holds particular significance for many groups, especially the three Abrahamic faiths. We encourage all parties to maintain calm, avoid provocation and uphold the Status Quo to ensure the safety and the security of the Al Haram Al Sharif / Temple Mount and all who worship there.

Israel: Palestinians

Baroness Sheehan: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they will take to protect unarmed Palestinian children living in territory occupied by Israel from being injured or killed by Israeli security forces.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK has been clear that we need an immediate de-escalation on all sides, and an end to targeting of civilian populations. The UK offers our condolences to the families of those civilians killed. Civilian deaths, both in Israel and Gaza are a tragedy. Every effort must be made to avoid loss of life, especially that of children.Israel has a legitimate right to self-defence, and the right to defend its citizens from attack. In doing so, it is vital that all actions are proportionate, in line with International Humanitarian Law, and make every effort to avoid civilian casualties. We call on all sides to reduce tensions, restore calm and avoid provocation.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Staff

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office staff were based in (1) Hong Kong, and (2) China, in (a) 2018, (b) 2019, (c) 2020 and (d) 2021.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We have interpreted the question to mean how many staff were employed by the then Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and Department for International Development (DfID) in China and Hong Kong in each of the financial years, (a) 2018, (b) 2019 and (c) 2020 and as Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in 2021. All the figures shown are based on the headcount as at 31 March in each year. They include both UK Based Staff and Country Based Staff.The figures below cover our Embassies and Consulates in Beijing, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Wuhan. And our Consulate General in Hong Kong.China and Hong Kong staff numbers 2018 to 2020 as Legacy departments. Then as FCDO in 2021.  ChinaHong KongYearFCODfIDFCO DfID2018230-2591260-6902019240-2691050-5902020250-2791150-590 ChinaHong KongYearFCDOFCDO2021260 - 28940 -49

Epidemiology: Research

Lord Mendelsohn: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the recent cuts to Overseas Development Assistance on research and preparedness for future pandemics; and how many grants for research into pandemics and global health have been affected by these cuts.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We have prioritised our aid to be more strategic and remain a force for good across the world. Following a thorough review, the FCDO's aid budget has been allocated in accordance with UK strategic priorities against a challenging financial climate of COVID. FCDO will now work through what this means for individual research programmes, in line with the priorities we have identified.We will focus our research on the core priorities for poverty reduction, including COVID recovery, pandemic preparedness and other international health priorities. Overall, we have committed up to £1.3 billion of aid spending to counter the health, socio-economic and humanitarian impacts of the pandemic. Scientific and technological innovation runs through every one of the seven priority themes for our ODA spend. UK expertise in science, research and development has led to one of the first effective and affordable COVID-19 vaccines. We will remain a world-leading aid donor and across Her Majesty's Government we will spend more than £10 billion this year to address poverty, climate change and global health threats - including ensuring that developing countries have access to COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.

Israel: Palestinians

Baroness Janke: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they will take to protect the livelihoods of Palestinians living in land occupied by Israel from Israeli settlers supported by Israeli forces.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We condemn any incidence of violence by settlers against Palestinians. We have repeatedly raised the issue of incidents of settler violence with the Israeli authorities. We continue to stress the importance of bringing those responsible to justice and of the Israeli security forces providing appropriate protection to the Palestinian civilian population and ensuring their livelihoods are not negatively impacted. We continue to raise this issue with the relevant Israeli authorities.

Bahrain: Prisoners' Release

Lord Carlile of Berriew: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to therecent COVID-19 outbreak in Jau prison in Bahrain, whether they willmake representations to the government of Bahrain to guarantee the safe, unconditional release of prisoners of conscience, including Hassan Mushaima.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We regularly discuss the challenges of managing Covid-19 in prisons with senior members of the Bahraini Government and continue to engage with the Government of Bahrain to support its reform agenda, and to deliver on its international and domestic human rights commitments. We continue to monitor and raise the case of Hassan Mushaima and others, as necessary, at senior levels with the Bahraini Government.

Bahrain: Political Prisoners

Lord Carlile of Berriew: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking toimpress upon the government of Bahrain the need to comply with international law in connection with the detention of political prisoners.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Defending human rights and promoting democracy around the world is a core priority for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and its diplomatic network. The UK government monitors events closely and we regularly engage with senior members of the Bahraini government to discuss matters of importance, including human rights.

Press Freedom

Lord Hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the number of journalists (1) killed, (2) arrested, and (3) imprisoned, in the course of their work in the last five years; and what stepsthey will take to protect freedom of journalists to report.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Far too many journalists have been killed, arrested and imprisoned over the last five years. The situation appears to have deteriorated during this time, including the number of journalists threatened, abused or attacked. This is why the former Foreign Secretary launched a global media freedom campaign in November 2018, to shine a spotlight on media freedom and increase the cost to those abusing media freedom and persecuting journalists. The Media Freedom Coalition was one initiative created under the campaign. The Coalition is a partnership of countries working together to advocate for media freedom and safety of journalists and hold to account those who harm journalists for doing their job. It continues to expand, and consists of 47 members who have pledged to improve media freedom at home and abroad. It has issued a number of statements including, this year, on cases related to Uganda, China, Belarus and Myanmar, as well as to mark World Press Freedom Day. Another initiative of the campaign was the establishment of the Global Media Defence Fund, managed by UNESCO. Following its first project round in 2020, over 40 projects, aimed at enhancing journalists' legal protection and access to specialised legal assistance, as well as supporting investigative journalism, were selected for funding. The projects are reported to be benefitting over 1100 journalists and 65 media lawyers. Three years after the launch of the campaign, media freedom and the defence of journalists remains a priority for this office. We have used our presidency of the G7 this year to promote media freedom, securing strong language in the G7 Foreign Ministers' communique committing members to champion media freedom, support the work of the Media Freedom Coalition and lead by example in undertaking measures to improve media freedom.

Nepal: Forests

The Earl of Sandwich: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they provide supportforreforestation in Nepal in response to climate change; and if so, how this support is divided between(1) the government of Nepal, (2) Nepalese non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and (3) international NGOs.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK government does not currently have a dedicated forestry programme in Nepal. We do however support forestry in the climate vulnerable west of Nepal through our £50 million Climate Smart Development programme. This programme includes work to increase afforestation, protect slopes and remove CO2. This support is provided through Nepal's local governments but the implementation is mainly by community user groups and community forestry groups (both local NGOs). In addition, the UK is supporting the British Council to work with local NGOs to develop tree planting toolkits and campaigns to offset emissions.

Jerusalem: Palestinians

Baroness Sheehan: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they will take to protect Palestinians from being evicted from their homes in Sheik Jarrah, East Jerusalem, to make way for Israeli settlers.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK regularly raises forced evictions of Palestinians from property with the Government of Israel. The Fourth Geneva Convention, which applies to all occupied territories, prohibits demolitions or forced evictions absent military necessity. The UK is clear that in all but the most exceptional of circumstances, evictions are contrary to International Humanitarian Law. The practice causes unnecessary suffering to Palestinians and is harmful to efforts to promote peace.The Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa tweeted on the 8 May outlining our concern over tensions in Jerusalem linked to the threatened eviction of Palestinian families from their homes in Sheikh Jarrah. We continue to urge Israel to cease such actions. UK Officials at the British Embassy in Tel Aviv continue to raise the issue regularly with the Israeli Authorities.

Ministry of Defence

St Vincent and the Grenadines: Volcanoes

Lord West of Spithead: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether HMS Medway has visited St Vincent since the volcano eruptions on 9 and 12 April.

Baroness Goldie: HMS Medway has not visited St. Vincent since the eruptions on 9 and 12 April, and the Ministry of Defence have not received any requests for UK military support from the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

St Vincent and the Grenadines: Volcanoes

Lord West of Spithead: To ask Her Majesty's Government (1) in what location, and (2) at what notice, was HMS Medway when the volcano erupted in St Vincent on 9 and 12 April.

Baroness Goldie: Between 9 and 12 April HMS Medway was at Naval Station Mayport, United States, undergoing unscheduled repair work for hull damage sustained from a tug during a berthing incident. As a result, she was not available for tasking.

Department for Work and Pensions

Universal Credit: Deductions

Baroness Lister of Burtersett: To ask Her Majesty's Government (1) how many, and (2) what proportion of, new universal credit payments have deductions as a result of repayment of (a) budgeting loans and advances, (b) universal credit advances, (c) universal credit overpayments, and (d) tax credit overpayments, in each month from March 2019 to the most recent month for which data are available.

Baroness Stedman-Scott: We carefully balance our duty to the taxpayer to recover overpayments with our support for claimants. Safeguards are in place to ensure deductions are manageable; from 12 April 2021, we further reduced the cap on deductions from Universal Credit awards to 25 per cent and lengthened the payback period from 12 months to 24 meaning in effect someone can receive 25 payments over 24 months, giving them more flexibility over the payments of their UC award. This will also allow claimants to retain more of their award, giving additional financial security. New Claims Advances are available which allows claimants to receive up to 100 per cent of their estimated UC payment upfront. Advances are designed to ensure that the most vulnerable claimants receive the money they need to live on during their transition to UC. Claimants have the option to spread twenty-five UC payments over twenty-four months, giving them more flexibility over the payments of their UC award.From 3rd April 2020, deductions from Universal Credit for some government debt, such as Tax Credits, benefit overpayments and Social Fund Loans were suspended for 3 months, which resulted in many claimants seeing an increase in the amount they received while allowing staff to prioritise processing the unprecedented number of new benefits claims. Customers can contact the Department if they are experiencing financial hardship in order to discuss a reduction in their rate of repayment, depending on financial circumstances. The information requested is provided in the attached spreadsheet.Spreadsheet (xlsx, 12.0KB)

Children: Poverty

Lord Jones of Cheltenham: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking toreduce andeliminate child poverty in the United Kingdom.

Baroness Stedman-Scott: This Government is wholly committed to tackling child poverty. Throughout the pandemic, our priority has been to protect family incomes by spending £407 billion to protect jobs, keep businesses afloat and help families get by. Including spending an additional £7.4 billion last year to strengthen the welfare system for those most in need, taking our total expenditure on welfare support for people of working age to an estimated £112bn in 2020/21. In December 2020 we introduced our Covid Winter Grant Scheme providing funding to Local Authorities in England to enable them to support people with food and essential utility bills during the coldest months. It will now run to the 20th June as the Covid Local Support Grant, with a total investment of £269m. As the economy recovers, our ambition is to help parents move into and progress in work as quickly as possible based on clear evidence around the importance of parental employment, particularly where it is full-time, in substantially reducing the risks of child poverty. We are investing over £30 billion in our ambitious Plan for Jobs which is already delivering for people of all ages right across the country.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Lighting: Pollution

Lord Hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the evidenceof the impact of urban light pollution on (1) migrating birds, (2) resident birds, and (3) astronomy; and what plans they have to reducing the adverse effects of light pollution.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: Defra has published or contributed to a range of assessments of the impact of artificial light on insects and wider biodiversity, as well as global and national assessments of the drivers of biodiversity loss more generally. There has been no systematic research on or appraisal of the effects of urban lighting on migratory or resident birds. There is some evidence that artificial lighting can assist nocturnal feeding for some species under certain circumstances and prolong activity of birds beyond their normal periods. More significantly, there is evidence that shows strong light sources can disorient birds in flight and lead to direct mortality due to collisions with the light sources, their associated structures, and the ground. In particular research suggests that artificial light can have an adverse effect on migratory birds’ ability to undertake long distance migrations. Birds attracted to light are not only at risk of death or injury due to collision with buildings and other structures, but are also at risk of exhaustion, starvation, or predation. However, neither national nor global research has identified artificial light as a significant threat to UK bird populations. The UK’s recent report to the EU under Article 12 of the Birds Directive identified a medium threat to storm petrels from ‘attraction to and incineration by flares from oil platforms and rigs. Government officials have met with relevant stakeholders including the Commission for Dark Skies but have not made an assessment of the impact of light pollution on astronomy. The National Planning Policy Framework sets out how the possible ecological impacts of artificial light should be considered in the planning system. It makes clear that policies and decisions should limit the impact of light pollution on local amenity, dark landscapes, and nature conservation, including where there may be impacts on wildlife and ecosystems. Defra has contributed to associated guidance published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Chiltern Tunnel: Construction

Lord Berkeley: To ask Her Majesty's Government what conditions the Environment Agency has imposed on HS2 in connection with the construction of the Chiltern Tunnel; and whether they will publishcopies of all documents issued by the Environment Agency in connection with their consent to construction of the Chiltern tunnel.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The conditions imposed on the construction of the Chiltern Tunnel are within the relevant consents that have been issued by the Environment Agency. The consent for the construction of the tunnel (HS2/P10191) will be deposited in the Library of the House. The related consents for water discharge (EPR-QB3092NR) and waste treatment (FB3709KP) at the Chilterns Tunnel South Portal are held on the public register.

Fisheries: Channel Islands

Baroness McIntosh of Pickering: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the European Union on the implementation of the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement in relation to fishing rights and quotas in the waters around the Channel Islands.

Lord Benyon: We have had regular engagement, at all levels, with the European Union on implementation of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement in relation to fishing in the Channel Islands’ territorial seas and will continue to do so.

Slaughterhouses: Inspections

Lord Patten: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Gardiner of Kimble on 26 April (HL14806), who is responsible for conducting tests to ensure overseas vets have adequate English; and whether they have had representations from the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers on this matter.

Lord Benyon: The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the regulatory body for the UK veterinary profession, has the power to ensure that overseas vets wishing to practise in the UK have adequate English language skills. Rather than Defra, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has received representations from the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) which refer to Official Veterinarian (OV) communication skills. The FSA continues to engage and respond to AIMS on these important matters. The FSA has a contract in place with its Service Delivery Partner to ensure that OVs who are supplied from overseas have adequate English language skills.

Cats: Meloxicam

Lord Blencathra: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the US Food and Drug Administration includingboxed warninglabels onMetacam (Meloxicam) due to the risksassociated with acute renal failure and death in cats, what steps they are taking to ensuresimilar warningsarein place on all boxes of Metacam sold to vets in the UK.

Lord Blencathra: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps the Veterinary Medicines Directorate are taking to draw to the attention of veterinary surgeons the acute dangers to cats of a repeat injection dose of Metacam (Meloxicam).

Lord Benyon: There are three Metacam products authorised for use in cats in the UK: - Metacam 5 mg/ml solution for injection for dogs and cats- Metacam 2mg/ml solution for injection for cats- Metacam 0.5 mg/ml oral suspension for cats and guinea pigs All three products already include warnings relating to renal failure and therefore veterinary surgeons in the UK are aware of the risk of renal failure with the use of Metacam in cats. In 2019, the marketing authorisation holder for Metacam was requested to provide an analysis of all cases of renal failure and death in cats. The company provided data comparing the use of the product and the frequency of cases in the United States (US) with those in the EU. This demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of off-label use (use of the product not in accordance with the product information), renal failure and fatalities in the US compared with the EU. Vets are allowed to use veterinary medicinal products off-label in certain circumstances. However, the Metacam data does not indicate that the incidence of such use is as prevalent in the EU or the UK as in the US. It was concluded that vets in the EU and UK were already aware of the risks of renal failure with off-label use and the product information included sufficient warnings relating to the correct use and associated risks. The company was requested to continue specifically to monitor cases of renal failure in cats. Based on a review of the data over the past 10 years, the incidence of renal failure in the UK following use of Metacam in cats has gradually decreased from one in 200,000 to one in a million, supporting the view that vets are now even more aware of the risks associated with off-label use. The Veterinary Medicines Directorate will continue to consider the scientific evidence to inform further action as required and the consistency of product information and warnings for all meloxicam products.

Veterinary Services

Lord Blencathra: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to reports of private equity companies purchasing veterinary practices to turn them into "cash-generating units", whether they will hold urgent discussions with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeonsabout amending theirCode of Conductto apply to commercial companies running veterinary practices.

Lord Blencathra: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have toinvestigate the takeover of private veterinary practices by private equity firms with no veterinary qualifications and allegations of profiteering.

Lord Blencathra: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they havehad with the (1) British Veterinary Association, and (2) Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, about possible diminution of veterinary care in veterinary companies owned by private equity firmsconcerned with maximising profits instead of makinganimal health and welfare their first consideration.

Lord Benyon: Anyone practising as a veterinary surgeon, regardless of the ownership of the practice, needs to be registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and has a duty to provide care ensuring that animal health and welfare is their first consideration. Any concerns about the ownership or commercial practices of businesses should be directed to the Competition and Markets Authority.

British Overseas Territories: Darwin Initiative

Lord Randall of Uxbridge: To ask Her Majesty's Government to ask Her Majesty’s Government when they intend to launch the increased Darwin Plus project funding for the UK Overseas Territories, as announced in the Budget on 11 March 2020.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: We expect the increased Darwin Plus scheme to be launched later in 2021 with the first payments being made in 2022. Because of the increased funding we also expect to support a greater number of projects under the current Darwin Plus round. These projects will be announced in due course.

Insects: EU Countries

Lord Hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to consult all European countries about the reported declines in insect populations.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: The UK Government is committed to action for pollinators, globally and at home. We regularly discuss and share information on research, policy and practical activities with a number of countries, in and beyond Europe, on reported declines and how best to address them. The UK is a member of ‘Promote Pollinators’, an international coalition of the willing, with 60 members, including countries in Europe and across the world, committed to action to protect pollinators. We have also supported collaborative international research which has underpinned such initiatives, including a major global review of the status and threats to insect pollinators, published in 2015 by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. The UK continues to play a leading role in the development of an ambitious post-2020 global framework for biodiversity to be adopted at the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. We will be supporting ambitious targets to bend the curve on biodiversity loss by 2030 - including in areas which will help to recover insect populations, such as ecosystem restoration and species recovery - supported by strengthened reporting and review mechanisms to help facilitate the implementation of the targets.

Home Office

Immigration

Lord Jones of Cheltenham: To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the current time delay from application to granting indefinite leave to remain for those who qualify for this status.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: We are deciding cases within published service standard, unless there is a specific reason we cannot, in which case we will contact the customer. Our service standard for the processing of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) cases remains six months.Performance against service standards for ILR applications are included in the Migration Transparency data which is published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/migration-transparency-data#uk-visas-and-immigration

Batley Grammar School: Harassment

Lord Vinson: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to protect the Batley Grammar School teacher who spoke about the Charlie Hebdo event from threats reportedly made by Islamists; and whatsteps they are taking to apprehend the individuals making such threats.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Home Office has been in close contact with West Yorkshire Police, who worked with local partners to take swift action to protect the individual involved in recognition of the significant interest both locally, nationally and across various media outlets.We expect the police to take appropriate and proportionate action in relation to any threats made, and we will continue to engage with them as appropriate in relation to this case.We are committed to tackling those who spread views that promote violence and hatred against individuals and communities in our society, and must stand up to those who seek to undermine our fundamental values.

Slavery: Victims

Baroness Stroud: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the statement in the Home Office press release 'Alarming rise of abuse within modern slavery system', published on 20 March, that “Our generous safeguards for victims are being rampantly abused by child rapists, people who pose a threat to national security and failed asylum seekers with no right to be here”, how many people that took advantage of the modern slavery safeguards in each of the last five years fit the profiles described.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: We are committed to ensuring victims of modern slavery are identified quickly and provided with the support they require to start to rebuild their lives.In March 2021, the Government published a report on issues raised by people in immigration detention. This provides data on some of the concerns we are seeking to address through the New Plan for Immigration. This is available at: Issues raised by people facing return in immigration detention - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).There are concerns about the potential for a referral to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) to be used to frustrate Immigration Enforcement processes or to gain access to support inappropriately.For example, there has been a growth in NRM referrals being made after a person enters immigration detention. In 2019, 16% of people detained within the UK following immigration offences were referred as potential victims of modern slavery. This is up from just 3% in 2017.This raises legitimate concerns that some referrals are being made late in the process to frustrate immigration action and that legitimate referrals are not being made in a timely way. The New Plan for Immigration will address both concerns.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Local Government: Liverpool

Lord Storey: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the announcement that government-appointed commissioners will be introduced to oversee parts of Liverpool City Council, what relationship they expect the commissioners will have with elected city councillors.

Lord Greenhalgh: On 24 March 2021, the Secretary of State announced his proposed intervention package for Liverpool City Council, which includes the appointment of Commissioners.The Secretary of State’s intention is for the Council to continue to take decisions with support from Commissioners, with elected city councillors continuing their essential role of community leadership and engagement through representing the ward for which they are elected, decision-making and scrutiny. However, the Secretary of State is ‘minded to’ empower Commissioners to take decisions on the Council’s behalf if necessary. He is clear that Commissioners’ powers should be used only as a last resort if the Council fails to deliver the necessary changes, at the necessary speedThe Secretary of State has invited Liverpool City Council to make representations on his proposed intervention package by 24 May 2021. This timetable allows the Council, including the new Liverpool City Mayor and her cabinet, to respond to his proposals following the local elections that took place on 6 May 2021. The Secretary of State will carefully consider all the representations submitted to him and update the House on his decision in due course.

Housing: Planning Permission

Lord Patten: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many planning applications for the construction of new homes in England have been granted over the last 10 years; and how many of these applications have yet to commence building.

Lord Greenhalgh: In the 10 years to December 2020, 434,600 planning applications for dwellings have been granted (excluding those granted under permitted development rights), of which 55,400 were major applications and 379,200 were minor applications (source: Live tables on planning application statistics: District planning application statistics (PS2)). We do not hold information on the number of applications that have been granted and are yet to commence building. For more information on planning application statistics, please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/planning-applications-statistics.   Planning application statistics (pdf, 739.0KB)

Housing: Insulation

Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to protect leaseholders from the costs of dangerous cladding.

Lord Greenhalgh: We have been clear that building owners and industry should make buildings safe without passing on costs to leaseholders – where they haven’t stepped up, we have stepped in. The Government has announced a globally unprecedented investment of over £5 billion in building safety and hundreds of thousands of leaseholders will be protected from the cost of remediating unsafe cladding from their homes. Lower-rise buildings between 11 and 18 metres will gain new protection from the costs of remediating dangerous cladding through a Government backed financing scheme. The Government is conscious of the need to make any financing scheme affordable for leaseholders. That is why we have said that the financing scheme will have a £50 a month cap. Now that the financing solution has been announced, we will publish more details on how it will work as soon as we are in a position to do so.

Buildings: Safety

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made for the timeline for the (1) introduction, and (2) progress, of the Building Safety Bill.

Lord Greenhalgh: The Building Safety Bill was published in draft on 20 July 2020 and has undergone pre-legislative scrutiny by the HCLG Select Committee. The Government has been considering the Committee’s report and recommendations and will introduce the Bill as soon as Parliamentary time allows. We recognise that these are important public safety measures; that is why the Government is committed to progressing the Bill as quickly as possible, so that reforms can be implemented in a timely manner and residents can feel safe, and be safe, in their homes.

Cabinet Office

UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement: Devolution

Lord Dodds of Duncairn: To ask Her Majesty's Government what consultations they plan to have with the devolved governments on the proposed Parliamentary Partnership Assembly set out in the UK–EU Trade and Co-operation Agreement.

Lord Frost: It is a matter for the UK Parliament, which is of course composed of members across the UK, reflecting views from across the UK, to consider the potential shape of the Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, within the framework set out in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

UK Internal Trade: Northern Ireland

Lord Dodds of Duncairn: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the responsebyLord Frost on 29 April (HL Deb, col 2397) that "because of legislation passed by the EU, Northern Ireland does not benefit from certain TRQs in the same way as the rest of the UK", what tariff rate quotas (TRQs) are affected; what is the specific legislation from the European Parliament referred to; and what steps they are taking to ensure that Northern Ireland can benefit from those TRQs in the same way as the rest of the UK.

Lord Frost: On 16 December 2020, the EU unilaterally introduced Regulation 2020/2170 on the application of Union tariff rate quotas (TRQs) and other import quotas.The UK has underlined to the Commission that this is a matter requiring urgent consideration as part of addressing issues with the operation of the Protocol. If strictly applied, the Regulation would mean that importing goods subject to any EU tariff rate quotas or other import quotas directly into Northern Ireland would be unable to access either EU or Great Britain quotas, and would need to pay the EU tariff. This would leave Northern Ireland importers in a uniquely disadvantaged position compared to their counterparts in Great Britain and the EU.We have already taken steps to put arrangements in place to ensure that steel from the United Kingdom or the Rest of the World can be brought into Northern Ireland without being subject to tariffs. This avoids disruption to businesses and operators in Northern Ireland.However, this is an issue requiring a broader and more permanent solution and we continue to discuss this with the EU.

AIDS: Death

Lord Black of Brentwood: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many people have died from AIDS-related illnesses in the UK in each of the last ten years for which figures are available.

Lord True: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond. Professor Sir Ian Diamond | National Statistician The Lord Black of BrentwoodHouse of LordsLondonSW1A 0PW 18 May 2021 Dear Lord Black, As National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority, I am replying to your Parliamentary Question asking how many people have died from AIDS-related illnesses in the UK in each of the last ten years for which figures are available (HL138). The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is responsible for publishing statistics on deaths registered in England and Wales. National Records Scotland (NRS) and Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) are responsible for publishing the number of deaths registered in Scotland and Northern Ireland respectively. Mortality statistics are compiled from information supplied when deaths are certified and registered as part of civil registration. Cause of death is defined using the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th edition (ICD-10). Deaths where the underlying cause was Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are defined by the ICD-10 codes B20 to B24. Table 1 provides the number of deaths, in England and Wales, where HIV was either mentioned on the death certificate as a factor that contributed to the death or was the underlying cause of death. Figures are provided for deaths registered in 2010 to 2019, the latest available 10-year period of finalised mortality data. Please note that ONS mortality statistics are based on the cause of death that was reported by the doctor or coroner when they certified the death. More information on the process of death certification and cause of death coding is available in the User guide to mortality statistics[1]. Public Health England publish an alternative source of data on HIV deaths[2], which is based on a specialised database of HIV diagnosis, AIDS, and deaths data. Yours sincerely,Professor Sir Ian DiamondTable 1: Number of deaths with ICD-10 codes related to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) mentioned on the death certificate, England and Wales, deaths registered in 2010 to 2019[3][4][5][6]YearDeaths “involving” HIVof which, deaths “due to” HIV2010320248201125819220122782092013275208201430815920153081712016299156201729716220182921392019276124 Source: ONS   [1]https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/methodologies/userguidetomortalitystatisticsjuly2017[2]https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hiv-annual-data-tables[3]Figures are for deaths registered, rather than deaths occurring in each calendar year.[4]Deaths include non-residents.[5]The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Edition (ICD-10) definitions are as follows: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (B20-B24).[6]Deaths "involving" a cause refer to deaths that had this cause mentioned anywhere on the death certificate, whether as an underlying cause or not. Deaths "due to" a cause refer only to deaths that had this as the underlying cause of death.

Elections: Proof of Identity

Lord Kennedy of Southwark: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to estimate the cost to local authorities of their proposals for mandatory voter ID.

Lord Kennedy of Southwark: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to increase funding to local authorities as part of their proposals for mandatory voter ID.

Lord Kennedy of Southwark: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of how many individuals do not possess acceptable identification as required by their proposals for mandatory voter ID.

Lord Kennedy of Southwark: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of which local authorities have the lowest proportion of individuals with acceptable identification as required by their proposals for mandatory voter ID.

Lord True: As legislation is brought forward to enable the national roll out of voter identification, appropriate impact assessments, which include information on costs, will be provided for Parliament in the normal way.Further information on photographic identification ownership for voting can be found here.

UK Internal Trade: Northern Ireland

Lord Dodds of Duncairn: To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the process which applies for the making of laws in Northern Ireland on matters covered by theProtocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.

Lord Dodds of Duncairn: To ask Her Majesty's Government what role members of (1) the UK Parliament, and (2) the Northern Ireland Assembly, have in regards to the passing of laws for Northern Ireland on matters covered by theProtocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.

Lord Frost: The relevant implementing legislation for rules applied in Northern Ireland was brought forward and passed through the UK Parliament and Northern Ireland Assembly. This will continue to be the case for the transposition of any new rules made applicable by the Protocol which require domestic implementation.Where new EU legislation is brought forward which amend or replace acts contained within the Annexes to the Protocol, Article 15 provides for appropriate information and exchanges of information through the Joint Consultative Working Group. A representative of the Northern Ireland Executive forms part of the UK delegation to this group. Where a new EU law is brought forward that is within scope of the Protocol but which neither amends nor replaces an EU act listed in the Protocol, Article 13 provides that Joint Committee agreement is required for it to be applied in Northern Ireland. Again the Northern Ireland Executive will form part of the UK’s delegation at the Joint Committee and will be consulted as part of the position to be adopted in such cases. We have committed to providing the appropriate means for Parliamentary scrutiny of legislation within scope of the Protocol.

Police and Crime Commissioners: Wiltshire

Lord Jones of Cheltenham: To ask Her Majesty's Government whetherthey plan to require the Conservative Party to reimburse the full costs of re-running the election of the Police and Crime Commissioner in Wiltshire.

Lord True: Statutorily independent Returning Officers are responsible for running Police and Crime Commissioner elections. Legislation provides for costs that are necessary for the efficient and effective running of a poll to be reimbursed to Returning Officers; the statutory mechanism is for these to be reimbursed from the Consolidated Fund on submission of a claim for such expenditure. There is no statutory mechanism for these costs to be recovered from elsewhere by the Government.

UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement

Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to establish the Civil Society Forum as provided for in theUK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town: To ask Her Majesty's Government whatdiscussions they have had with the EUabout the establishment of the Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, as provided for in the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement; and what has been the outcome of any such discussions.

Lord Frost: The Trade and Cooperation Agreement provides for a Civil Society Forum - composed of a balanced representation of UK and EU business and civil society groups - to discuss the implementation of aspects of the Agreement. We are in contact with the EU about the operational guidelines for the conduct of this Forum and will work to facilitate its first meeting this year. We will, of course, continue to engage with business and civil society in the usual way, including on issues relating to TCA implementation. As for the Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, it is a matter for Parliament to consider the potential shape of the Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, within the framework set out in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

UK Internal Trade: Northern Ireland

Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps theyare taking to address the economic impact of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.

Lord Frost: We have provided extensive support for businesses, including through the Trader Support Service and the Movement Assistance Scheme. We have also invested in promoting growth and opportunities in Northern Ireland, including through £500m of funding for the PEACE Plus programme over seven years and through our £400m New Deal for Northern Ireland. However, we recognise the significant impact that the Protocol has had on businesses in Northern Ireland, despite the extraordinary efforts they have made to adapt to new requirements. Indeed it is hard to see that the way the Protocol is currently operating can be sustainable for long. That is why we are committed to working urgently and in good faith, through the structures of the Withdrawal Agreement, to find pragmatic ways forward on the issues that have been identified. We hope that, in order for those discussions to make the progress we need, there can be a common sense, risk-based, approach from the EU. We continue to consider all our options in meeting our overriding responsibility for sustaining the peace and prosperity of everyone in Northern Ireland.

Greensill: David Cameron

Lord Myners: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byLord True on 29 April (HL15167), whether they will now answer the question put, namely,further to the summary report published by the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists on 26 March following its investigation into Rt Hon David Cameron, whether the Registrar had sight of any contract of employment between Mr Cameron and Greensill companies; and whether (1) any such contracts, or (2) related job descriptions, made any reference to lobbying duties.

Lord True: As outlined in my response on 29 April, the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists is a statutory independent office holder responsible for maintaining the lobbying register. The Registrar's investigations and decisions must be made independently of the Government.Details of the Registrar’s investigations are published on the website of the Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists at https://registrarofconsultantlobbyists.org.uk and his Office can be contacted at enquiries@orcl.gov.uk.

Global Navigation Satellite Systems: Research

Lord West of Spithead: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they have taken to involveexperts across different organisations in the development of a resilient, high integrity Position, Navigating and Timing (PNT) System-of-Systems.

Lord West of Spithead: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer byLord Callanan on 25 February (HL13332), what are the timescales for the cross government review being led by the Deputy National Security Advisor into future governance for the development of resilient Position, Navigation and Timing arrangements for UK users, including promotion of Global Navigation Satellite System and other Position, Navigation and Timing sources.

Lord True: A team in the Cabinet Office has developed a Position Navigation and Timing (PNT) strategy that seeks to define the high-level requirements for resilient PNT systems. This work has included engaging subject matter experts across a full range of Government departments, including those leading in maritime, aviation, energy and communications sectors. Views have also been taken from selected PNT industry members to ensure peer review and robust challenge. The review of current governance arrangements, which aims to ensure that coordination of PNT across government is put on sustainable footing, is nearing completion and is expected to be concluded shortly.

UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement

Baroness Deech: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many members will be appointed to (1) the Partnership Council, (2) each of the 19 Specialised Committees, and (3) each of the four Working Groups established by the UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement; and what plans they have to disseminate information about (a) the membership, and (b) the proceedings of those bodies.

Lord Frost: Each of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement’s committees is co-chaired by a representative of the UK and the EU. I am the UK co-chair of the Partnership Council. Senior officials in the relevant government departments will be the co-chairs of the Specialised Committees and Working Groups. The UK delegation for each meeting will be decided to ensure appropriate expertise based on the agenda. We are committed to facilitating appropriate Parliamentary scrutiny of our actions in these committees, and discussions are ongoing with the relevant Parliamentary committees. We will share draft agendas with Parliament before each Partnership Council and meetings of the Specialised Committees, and issue a statement on the proceedings before Parliament before and after each meeting of the Partnership Council.

Housing: Green Belt

Lord Patten: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the accuracy of the Office for National Statistics’ population growth forecasts when used in planning for future house building needs in green belt areas of England; and whether algorithms are used in the construction of the forecasts.

Lord True: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have, therefore, asked the Authority to respond. Professor Sir Ian Diamond | National Statistician The Rt. Hon, the Lord Patten of BarnesHouse of LordsLondonSW1A 0PW 20 May 2021 Dear Lord Patten, As National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority, I am responding to your Parliamentary Question asking what assessment has been made of the accuracy of the Office for National Statistics population growth forecasts when used in planning for future house building needs in green belt areas of England; and whether algorithms are used in the construction of the forecasts (HL79). The Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes population estimates and the methods used are set out in the Mid-year Population Estimates Quality and Methodology Information paper.[1] Similar quality and methodology information papers are published for national population projections[2], subnational population projections[3] and household projections[4]. Each round of our mid-year population estimates and population projections is fully quality assured and where appropriate (such as for subnational outputs) includes reviewing differences between local authorities and small geographies. The ONS’ projections are not forecasts but are based on the continuation of recent trends and do not take into account social or economic factors that could affect the population in the future. As such, they do not try to predict any potential demographic consequences of future political or economic changes. Individual local authorities have responsibility for planning future housing needs through their own local plans. The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) are responsible for setting out guidance and policy on the use of ONS statistics for the purposes of planning. You may be aware of the recent Office for Statistics Regulation report[5] about the ONS’ population projections and estimates, which found that at the national level, the ONS’ approach to projections and estimates was fit for purpose. The ONS has published a National Statistical blog explaining how the Centre for Ageing and Demography (responsible for population estimates and projections) at the ONS will meet the challenges raised by the report[6]. Yours sincerely,Professor Sir Ian Diamond[1]https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationestimates/methodologies/midyearpopulationestimatesqmi[2]https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationprojections/methodologies/nationalpopulationprojectionsqmi[3]https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationprojections/methodologies/subnationalpopulationprojectionsqmi[4]https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationprojections/methodologies/householdprojectionsinenglandqmi[5]https://osr.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/news/osr-publishes-its-review-of-population-estimates-and-projections-produced-by-the-office-for-national-statistics/[6] https://blog.ons.gov.uk/2021/05/17/meeting-the-challenges-in-population-estimation/

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Gambling

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the six recommendations in the report by the Centre for Social Justice Not a Game – A call for effective protection from the harms of gambling', published in May, in creating a co-operative framework for effective affordability checks.

Baroness Barran: The Government is carrying out a Review of the Gambling Act 2005 and making sure we have the right balance between freedom of choice and protection from harm is a core objective. We welcome contributions to the debate, including the report by the Centre for Social Justice, and we will consider its recommendations carefully alongside the responses to our call for evidence.